Democrats Talk Strategy

Party's Goal:toughen Up

TALLAHASSEE — More talk about health care for poor kids. Less talk about abortion and gay marriage.

More talk about reducing the federal deficit. Less talk about gun control.

More talk about what is wrong with privatizing government services. Less talk about raising taxes.

Still reeling from the Florida Democratic Party's harsh Election Day losses, Florida Senate Democrats on Monday began testing moderate-sounding political messages they might use in the Legislature in hopes of rebuilding their party before the crucial 2006 elections.

They also injected energy into the idea of getting behind an effort to create an independent legislative and congressional redistricting panel. The plan, they said, could handcuff Republicans from continuing to carve up state political districts in the GOP's favor.

But after four hours of behind-the-scenes chatter in a wood-paneled office two blocks from the state Capitol, the minority party legislators walked away saying they are even more assured that Florida Democrats mainly need to do just one thing better: Toughen up.

"We're always on the defensive, and we've got to go on the offense," said Sen. Ron Klein, D-Delray Beach. "We have no choice now but to go on the attack."

In only a decade, Democrats have given up to Republicans control of the Governor's mansion, the Legislature, an overwhelming majority of the state's congressional seats, and all the state Cabinet posts.

Last month's elections didn't improve Democrats' standing. Republicans expanded their control of the state House by three seats, now outnumbering Democrats 84-36 in the House and 26-14 in the Senate.

``We Democrats have to get the public to identify with what we stand for, as soon as we figure out what that is," said Sen. Walter "Skip" Campbell, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat. "The problem now is that we are seen as a conglomerate of a little issue here and a little issue there."

Several legislators said Democrats should quickly develop a populist message that can be easily captured on a bumper sticker.

"Our message now is way outdated ... It speaks to some people but not to enough of them," said Sen. Rod Smith, a Gainesville Democrat.

Smith urged his colleagues to adopt a more centrist agenda and consider abandoning stances on issues that may fuel public perceptions that all Democrats are liberals.

But the idea of taking on a more moderate legislative agenda rankled a few senators. Sen. Gwen Margolis, a Miami Beach Democrat, called it "a shame" if she and other Democrats would have to speak less openly about their strong views in favor of abortion rights.

The meeting is expected to be the first in a series of Democratic caucus gatherings focused on party rebuilding and recruitment efforts.

The legislators did not discuss their likely stances on the priorities that will actually take shape in the Legislature.

Mark Hollis can be reached at mhollis@sun-sentinel.com or 850-224-6214.